Nile River Cruises
Picture this: a journey from Aswan to Luxor, with the Nile as your guide, passing by temples etched in the desert, glimpses of everyday life, and a canopy of stars. The Valley of the Kings unveils ancient artistry, while Karnak's colossal columns loom above. And then there’s Edfu and Kom Ombo. The iconic Pyramids of Giza are also waiting to be explored.
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- Choose from 350+ Nile tours
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- E
Edda • traveled in June
Just do it. Alaa was a brilliant tour guide offering small group ( just 3 of us) personalised, high quality guide through Egypt. His in-depth knowledge which he delivered in excellent English - gave us insight into the history of this amazing country. His courteous manner and ability to cater to all our requests and changing plans was most appreciated.
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 Star From Cairo by Flight - A
Amy • traveled in July
Fantastic tour! Highly recommend
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor - E
Edward • traveled in October
Everything was great!! The river-boat, the rooms, the food, and the crew were excellent. We had an amazing time in the deck with music and dancing. Moreover, the cruise allowed us to see the most important ancient Egyptian sightseeing. Our tour guide Talat ( Ta Ta ) was very friendly, kind, funny and has great knowledge about the ancient Egyptian civilization. I would recommend this cruise to anyone interested to explore this wonderful country.
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
Table of contents
- The best Nile cruises
- See the Nile your way
- Nile tour companies
- Popular Nile Cruise Ships
- Where to start your Nile trip
- Discover Nile tours for every budget
- Cruises for every type of group
- Nile itineraries by length
- Traveler types and experiences
- Best time to visit
- Contact our Nile travel experts
- What our customers ask about Nile River Cruises
The best Nile cruises
Compiled by
MelissaNile travel expert at TourRadar
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 Star From Cairo by Flight
141 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The cruise ship Alnabilatan was beautiful with lovely attentive staff and top deck pool and jacuzzi.”
Majella, traveled in November
Luxury defines this 5-day Nile cruise from Cairo through Luxor, Edfu, and Aswan, including domestic flights. Ancient temples like Karnak, Luxor, and Philae shine under expert guidance (5.0/5.0 rating). Private cabins on a 5-star ship offer full-board dining and nightly entertainment for around $1,300.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cairo, Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Giza, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan, Elephantine IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $2,238
50% Off- NZ$1,119You save $1,119
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
259 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We visited amazing places, and the boat was unbeatable. Definitely recommended.”
Patricia, traveled in November
The legendary Nile River comes alive on this highly-rated cruise from Aswan to Luxor, rated 4.7/5 from 150+ travelers. Ancient temples including Philae and Karnak reveal their secrets through expert Egyptologist guides. A 5-star ship with swimming pool provides daily meals, while optional tours to Abu Simbel temples and Nubian villages enhance the adventure.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Valley of the Kings, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Operator Holiday In Egypt From $1,377
50% Off- NZ$688You save $688
Nile Adventure Odyssey - Return Flights Included
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Egypt has so much more to offer than the Great Pyramids. I did the Nile Adventure Odyssey with the 7 day cruise and was overjoyed at my experience!”
Julianne, traveled in November
A weeklong adventure aboard a 5-star ship from Luxor to Aswan reveals the Nile's treasures. Highlights include the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo's twin temples, and Philae Temple. Cairo's Pyramids tours and optional Abu Simbel excursion complement expert Egyptologist guidance throughout.
Duration 11 days Destinations Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel Age Range Ages 12+ River Nile Operator Beyond The Nile Tours From $3,618
50% Off- NZ$1,809You save $1,809
7 Days Of Wonder In Egypt (Domestic Flight Included)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“His explanations of history and culture were clear and fascinating, and he made the whole experience unforgettable.”
Maria, traveled in September
Luxury meets history on this four-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard a 5-star ship. Stops include Edfu's Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo Temple. Full board dining, expert guides, and tours of Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple are included, with optional Abu Simbel excursion available.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian River Nile Operator Itaca Holiday From
50% Off- NZ$1,594
5 Days 4 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Arranged the Nile Cruise for us from Aswan to Luxor with a guide and all activities before and after.”
Tala, traveled in December
Ancient wonders unfold along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, featuring UNESCO temples like Karnak and Philae. The Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam, and Temple of Horus at Edfu highlight the journey. Multilingual guides rated 4.8/5 lead groups averaging age 49, with 35% solo travelers.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian River Nile Operator Ancient Egypt Tours From $1,378
10% Off- NZ$1,241You save $138
5 * Deluxe Nile River Cruise from Cairo include flights - 3 Nights 4 Days
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This an extra ordinary experience and highly recommended. We felt safe every we went.”
NAOTOSHI, traveled in March
The ancient Nile beckons for 3 nights aboard a 5-star deluxe cruise ship from Aswan to Luxor. Visits include the High Dam, Philae Temple, and temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Full-board dining, expert guides, and modern transport complete the experience, all for approx. $190 per day.
Duration 4 days Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Spanish River Nile Operator Holiday In From $1,465
10% Off- NZ$1,318You save $146
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
195 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodation and food on board the cruise was awesome. Would highly recommend as you see so many different temples and do so many activities.”
William, traveled in October
A 5-star cruise ship carries you along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor for approx. $130 per day. Highlights include Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Valley of Kings with expert guides. Package includes en-suite cabin accommodation, full-board dining, and all transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Operator Egypt Best Holidays From
10% Off- NZ$948
The Sonesta St George glides down the Nile, revealing ancient wonders from Luxor to Aswan for around $630. The journey features Karnak's massive temple complex, Valley of the Kings' royal tombs, and Kom Ombo's riverside shrine. Traditional Galabiya parties and full-board dining complement views of timeless landscapes.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Aswan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish River Nile Operator Sun Pyramid Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,454
Ancient temples dot the 4-day Nile route from Aswan to Luxor, including Philae and Kom Ombo. Full-board dining with vegetarian options and air-conditioned transfers complement visits to the sprawling Karnak Temple complex spanning 247 acres. Ideal for couples and solo travelers aged 5+.
Duration 4 days Destinations Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian River Nile Operator Ancient Egypt Tours From $1,034
10% Off- NZ$930You save $103
Luxurious 4-Night Nile Cruise (Luxor-Aswan)
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour was amazing, food was great and we had a ball.”
Rodney, traveled in May
Cruise the mighty Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard a 5-star deluxe vessel ($196/day). Visit Karnak's Hypostyle Hall, sail traditional feluccas around Elephantine Island, and explore Philae Temple. Enjoy Egyptian cooking classes and evening Dervish shows with belly dancing.
Duration 5 days Destinations Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan Age Range All Ages Welcome River Nile Operator Truly Egypt Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,930
See the Nile your way
Nile tour companies
Based on the reviews, you'll notice some clear differences between these Egyptian tour companies. Ramasside Tours stands out for family trips - their guides get many positive mentions from parents traveling with kids. They understand how to keep children engaged while sharing their knowledge about the sites. Fez Travel and Encounters Travel are popular operators with similar itineraries. Cairo Pass has built a solid reputation, particularly for their Siwa Oasis experiences with their quick responses and well-organized tours getting good feedback What emerges from customer experiences is that guide quality and clear communication about logistics, costs, and potential changes really make the difference in Egypt tours. The more established companies like Ramasside have figured out how to deliver consistently, while newer operators are still working out some service details
Popular Nile Cruise Ships
Where to start your Nile trip
You can start your Nile journey from Luxor, Cairo, or Aswan, with Luxor being the most popular choice. Our experienced travelers suggest picking an upper deck cabin for better views and less engine noise, which matters when boats tie up next to each other You'll find options ranging from luxury ships to traditional dahabiyas, and each gives you a different way to experience daily life along the river, with chances to meet local vendors and get genuine cultural interactions.
River cruises for every budget
Cruises for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Nile itineraries by length
Traveler types and experiences
Best time to visit
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The winter months from November through February offer really pleasant sailing conditions. Our Aswan to Luxor routes work perfectly with mild temperatures that make morning temple visits quite comfortable. You can relax on the sundeck during afternoon sailing, though the pool water runs a bit cool, as our winter travelers often mention. The guided tours to Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, and Edfu Temple come with expert Egyptologists bringing ancient history to life. The heated cabins feel particularly nice when evening temperatures drop, and many travelers love watching the Nile sunset right from their balconies.
- December 2025 260 tours
- January 2026 281 tours
- February 2026 popular 282 tours
- Spring 2026
Ready for spring along the Nile River? March through May brings the ideal weather for longer explorations of Luxor's temples, Cairo's pyramids, Nile cruising, and Abu Simbel's massive statues. Spring hits the sweet spot for Egypt touring temperature-wise. It's the season when you can explore ancient sites without summer's brutal heat beating down on you.
- March 2026 popular 284 tours
- April 2026 283 tours
- May 2026 270 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer cruising from June through August needs smart planning, but early morning starts make site visits doable. The carefully planned schedule hits Karnak Temple at sunrise, Valley of the Kings in the early morning, and includes peaceful sailing when the day heats up. Travelers use the sundeck pools well, and the evening Galabiya parties turn quite lively.
- June 2026 popular 261 tours
- July 2026 260 tours
- August 2026 260 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
October and November are peak seasons, with perfect conditions for extended voyages. The classic route between Aswan and Luxor shines then, offering comfortable temperatures for exploring Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, and also the Valley of the Kings. The pleasant weather makes it an excellent time for longer programs that combine the Nile cruising with visits to Cairo's pyramids and museums.
- September 2026 popular 269 tours
- October 2026 252 tours
- 250 tours
Contact our Nile travel experts
Claire
Expert in Nile at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Nile Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Nile tours answered!
- Choose from 356+ Nile tours
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Nile River Cruises
What's the best time to take a Nile cruise?
You'll want to plan your cruise between October and April when the weather's really pleasant. That's when Egypt cools down a bit which makes exploring all those amazing sites so much more enjoyable.
Which temples should I definitely see between Luxor and Aswan?
Karnak Temple in Luxor is absolutely incredible with these massive columns and structures everywhere you'll see it on the Egyptian Highlights Tour. The Temple of Horus at Edfu is amazingly well-preserved really shows you how ancient Egyptians practiced their religion. Abu Simbel's pretty special too they actually moved the whole thing to save it from flooding and those four huge Ramses II statues are incredible. You can check it out on the Cairo Nile Valley & Red Sea Resort 10-day tour.
Where is the best place to start a cruise on the Nile?
Most cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, and either city works as a starting point. Starting in Luxor puts you right next to major sites like Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Aswan offers a slower pace and is great if you prefer a quieter start. Some longer trips begin in Cairo, but they usually include flights to the main cruising section, since large parts of the river between Cairo and Luxor aren’t navigable.
Do you see the pyramids on a Nile cruise?
Not on the usual cruise route. The pyramids are near Cairo, far to the north of where most Nile cruises run between Luxor and Aswan. However, many cruise packages include a stop in Cairo either before or after your river trip, so you can visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx as part of a longer itinerary. A few extended “Full Nile” cruises claim to run from Cairo to Luxor, but parts of the route are often done by road or air because of river restrictions.
How much do you tip on a Nile cruise?
It’s common to tip around $8 to $12 per person per day for the ship’s crew. That usually goes into a pool that’s split among staff. Guides and drivers often receive separate tips — especially if they’re leading your excursions or private tours. Some luxury cruises include tips in your fare, but not all, so it’s worth checking ahead. US dollars, euros, and Egyptian pounds are all widely accepted for tipping.
Are mosquitoes a problem on Nile cruises?
They can be, especially around sunset and during warmer months. Cruise ships usually manage this well with air-conditioned cabins and screened windows, but it’s still smart to bring insect repellent. Wearing long sleeves or pants in the evening helps too. If you’re cruising between November and February, mosquitoes tend to be much less of an issue thanks to the cooler weather.
What is the dress code for a Nile River cruise?
During the day, light and breathable clothes work best — think cotton or linen, especially for temple visits and walking tours. Most cruises ask for modest dress at religious sites, which means covering your shoulders and knees regardless of gender. Evenings on board tend to be smart-casual. Some ships host gala dinners where you’ll want to dress up a bit more, while others might have themed nights like “Egyptian Night,” where travelers often wear galabiya robes you can buy locally.